A Little More Space, a Lot Better Access

Kia Forte / Reviews / Kia Forte SX 5-Door Hatchback - Short Take Road Test / A Little More Space, a Lot Better Access

Although more than a few C/D staffers would choose the Forte hatch over the sedan based on looks alone, increased cargo capacity and easier access to your stuff are in the pros column, too. The Forte five-door’s more capacious shape yields another 4.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared with the sedan’s 14.7-cubic-foot trunk, but the greater advantage is the hatchback itself, which of course allows the loading of bulky stuff that wouldn’t fit through a regular trunk opening. Also included are 60/40-split rear seatbacks and covered storage space beneath the cargo floor.

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    Driving
    The Kia is available with 2.0-litre or 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines, but we prefer the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. There's a fair amount of diesel clatter at idle, but once on the move it delivers power ...

    Key positions
    Ignition switch position LOCK The steering wheel locks to protect against theft. The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK position. When turning the ignition switch to the LOCK positio ...

    Maintenance schedule
    Chart symbols: I- Inspect these items and their related parts. If necessary, correct, clean, refill, adjust or replace. R- Replace or change L- Lubricate. (1) Refer to the lubricant and co ...